How You Can Support Your Older Neighbors This Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, and for many, it is a time spent with loved ones. However, this time of year magnifies loneliness and isolation faced by many older adults in our region. The CDC reports that nearly a quarter of Americans aged 65 and over are considered to be socially isolated. Older D.C. residents are estimated by the United Health Foundation to face the highest risk of social isolation compared to those in other states. As we age, our support systems may not be as strong as we need, but Seabury is here to help. Seabury cares.

All year long, the Seabury staff cares for residents, calls older neighbors, and offers programs that make people feel seen and heard. Participant-led activities, like the Model Cities* Black History Celebration, LGBTQ movie nights, and Did You Know? teleconference discussions for blind and visually impaired older adults help to create a strong sense of community where older adults are valued and engaged.

Out & About* participant, Delores says “I love the fact that Seabury gives me so many options ... There are movies, there’s bingo, there are concerts ... I can be myself naturally ... I truly feel at home.”

Over 300 older adult residents of our three senior living communities (Seabury at Friendship Terrace, Seabury at Springvale Terrace and Home First®* Residences) call Seabury home. The staff cares for residents like they are family. Cindy Brockington, Activities Director at Friendship Terrace, says “Some residents don’t have family or friends to come to visit so that’s where I step in to help fill that void.”

Navigating the challenges of aging is difficult, even with a strong support system. Many older adults have family caregivers who often don’t know where to turn for help. Seabury’s Care Management team pairs older adults and families with a licensed social worker to guide them through complex processes such as finding a new home, returning from the hospital, or coordinating home care.

If you or an older adult you know is struggling, please know that Seabury cares and can help. Consider connecting with one of our in-person or virtual programs or reach out to Care Management’s free information and assistance line at (202) 364-0020. Seabury offers Congregational Resources to help communities of faith engage older parishioners.

Please help us and support our mission. This holiday season, make an impact by supporting the programs older adults and caregivers rely on for daily needs. When you check in on your loved ones and neighbors, remember that so many in our community rely on Seabury to look out for them and we need your support. Together we will work to ensure that everyone is able to age with dignity.

Correction: An earlier print version of this article stated that the photo was taken in Ward 4. This service project took place in Ward 5.